FORT MYERS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SeniorNet, the world's leading nonprofit technology educator of older adults, announced today it has awarded a $2,000.00 sponsorship from the Charlene A. Francis Scholarship Fund to Saar Nepal, a Nepalese organization that is similar in mission to SeniorNet and dedicated to educating and maintaining the wellbeing of their elder population. In addition, Saar Nepal will be provided access to the benefits and privileges given to SeniorNet Learning Centers across the United States. This grant marks another landmark in SeniorNet’s international reach, after earlier this year hosting a delegation from China eager to replicate SeniorNet’s successful learning model.

“We are proud to help support an organization like Saar Nepal in its parallel mission. Computers skills are crucial to enhancing everyone’s lives especially seniors who are sometimes isolated. This is a global challenge for all of us.”

The Charlene Francis Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 to honor her. She has made significant contributions to SeniorNet both at its Learning Centers and on the organization's national Board of Directors. Francis has served as a member, volunteer and distinguished leader for more than 25 years, including her dedicated years in leading the SeniorNet Learning Center in Oklahoma City where she continues to play an active role today.

Drawing on local resources -- tech company retirees, community facilities and donated equipment --SeniorNet minimizes its need to conduct large-scale fundraising activities by partnering with major corporations such as Microsoft, IBM, Que Publishing, Adobe, Google, AT&T and others. This specific scholarship is funded primarily by individual donations.

Leslie M. Smith, retired IBM Business Development Executive and SeniorNet Chairman of the Board said, “We are proud to help support an organization like Saar Nepal in its parallel mission. Computers skills are crucial to enhancing everyone’s lives especially seniors who are sometimes isolated. This is a global challenge for all of us.” SeniorNet Supports Saar Nepal’s Elder Education Program through its Charlene A. Francis Scholarship

Aarati Poudel, founder and president of Saar Nepal, said, “We are pleased to accept this sponsorship from SeniorNet. Seniors in both of our countries face several similar challenges and this grant will go a long way in furthering technology education for our most precious citizens.”

About Saar Nepal

Saar Nepal, (www.saarnepal.org) located in Kathmandu, is a non-profit organization founded by committed Nepalese citizens drawn from development workers, social workers, youth activists and other professionals with the common interest of addressing the issues of elderly citizens. Saar Nepal exclusively works for the rights and protection of the elderly with an emphasis on successful aging.

About SeniorNet

SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org) is the nation's premier and most respected nonprofit organization specializing in computer and Internet education for adults over 55 and those in need. Since 1986, SeniorNet has empowered more than two million Boomers and Seniors by providing encouragement, lifelong learning opportunities and new worlds to explore via the Internet. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, it has approximately 6,000 members. SeniorNet is staffed by more than 3,000 volunteers and has more than 30 Learning Centers in the United States, including Indian Reservations and underserved areas.

Contacts

SeniorNet

Michele M. Williams, 293-275-2202
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Monday, 06 January 2014 10:12

For Release: January 6, 2014

Contact: Michele M. Williams,
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, 239-275-2202

Fort Myers, FL, Jan. 6, 2014 – The SeniorNet Learning Center in San Jose Willows, Calif. recently welcomed a delegation of 14 dignitaries (click for letter and photo) from various regions in China to provide insight into how SeniorNet has become so successful and to share its operational and educational protocols. The visitors were management representatives for the Committees on Aging in China from the national level and throughout 12 provinces and municipalities.

The delegation, which attended a Microsoft Windows 8 workshop, saw firsthand how class content and curriculum is developed using surveys of intended students, as well as SeniorNet’s extensive use of volunteers in the teaching process. Drawing on local resources such as tech company retirees, community facilities and donated equipment, SeniorNet minimizes its need to conduct massive fundraising activities that strain limited resources by partnering with major corporations such as Microsoft, IBM, Google, Que Publishing and others who help fulfill its mission.

Ms. Li Shumei, Deputy Director, Heilongjiang Provincial Committee on Aging said SeniorNet has, “a very good self-support education model without relying on budget and tendency of bureaucratic management. Such a model would help the still developing China develop more educations centers alike. It is a valuable example.”

This was an enlightening new business model for SeniorNet’s Chinese counterparts. The delegation was eager to return to China and put what they learned into practice for the senior citizens in their home country.

Leslie M. Smith, IBM Business Development Executive (retired) and SeniorNet Chairman of the Board said, “We were just delighted to host the Chinese delegation and share our knowledge. Computers skills are crucial to social connections for seniors and the hope that this will connect more people outside the U.S. is the best New Year’s gift we could get.”

New Headquarters

In a move from its former location in Herndon, Virginia, SeniorNet officially opened its new headquarters on January 1 at 5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd., Suite 314, Fort Myers, FL 33907. The phone number is (239) 275-2202 and the fax number is (239) 275-2501.

About SeniorNet

SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org) is the nation's premier and most respected nonprofit organization specializing in computer and Internet education for adults over 55 and those in need. Since 1986, SeniorNet has empowered more than one million Boomers and Seniors by providing encouragement, lifelong learning opportunities and new worlds to explore via the Internet. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, it has approximately 6,000 members. SeniorNet is staffed by more than 3,000 volunteers and has more than 50 Learning Centers in the United States, including Indian Reservations and underserved areas.